NSU has completed the design of a multifunctional space that will be located on the 1st floor of NSU’s world-class campus new classroom building. This is being built as part of the “Science and Universities” national project. The space is 2.5 thousand sq.m. and includes an open-plan area, a scientific library, and quiet spaces. The design concept is based on minimalism, calm colors, bright accents, and natural materials.
The ideas embodied in the building are simple geometry of forms, asymmetry of the horizontal plane and free layout, natural lighting and calm colors, white and shades of gray. The materials used are wooden elements - stage, columns. All this makes the space as natural as possible. The high ceilings and atrium create a feeling of lightness and freedom.
Tatyana Markova, Deputy Director of the NSU Scientific Library, provided more details,
This new space will manifest the modern concept of a library “without doors”. The premises will be accessible 24/7 and students will be able to study independently, work in groups, communicate, and simply relax in a comfortable environment. They will also, in the absence of a librarian, be able to sel ect and arrange an art book for themselves through a self-service station. Glass display cases will be installed in the hall to display 18th-19th century books fr om our collection. Young researchers can study these unique publications on history, economics, and other branches of science during open library hours. The reading room will operate in the traditional format “with doors”, but there will be innovation here too. All the literature will be in the public domain - readers will have the opportunity to independently choose a textbook of interest or a recent scientific publication.
The multifunctional space will be equipped with modern technologies, which will be an option for implementing the “smart home” concept. Information screens will not only be in the reception area, but also in the quiet area. It will be possible to select free slots for events online. There will be interactive instructions on how to use the library and a media screen, which, taking into account the weather and the mood, will generate calming visual content using neural networks. The space will feature achievements and technologies developed by the NSU Center for Artificial Intelligence.
The building will accommodate 1,700 students increasing the capacity of the University teaching space by 25%.
